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Organic Materials: New Opportunities for Synthetic Chemists

16 Jan 2014

Over the past few decades, our society has become increasingly dependent on the use of advanced materials to solve the problems created by modern technological limitations. As such, the highly interdisciplinary field of materials science has mushroomed in recent years, producing some of the most exciting advancements in modern technology.

From carbon nanotubes to liquid crystal technology, interest in the field is huge and investment in research is growing rapidly. For synthetic chemists this provides a fantastic avenue for new research into the design and synthesis of novel organic compounds, engineering at the nano-scale to meet the needs of the modern world.

In this event organised by SCI’s Fine Chemicals Group, some of the field’s most respected researchers will present a series of lectures on the application of organic materials to contemporary technological contexts.

An opening lecture, by Prof Harry Anderson of Oxford University, will focus on the synthesis of molecular wires for use in nanotechnology and neuroscience. The work of Prof Anderson centres on the design and synthesis of new molecular materials and explores how the properties of these structures relate to their molecular structure. A pioneer in the field and a Fellow of the Royal Society, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the work of a truly distinguished academic.

The closing lecture of the day, presented by Dr Jeremy Burroughes of Cambridge Display Technologies (CDT) will focus on solution-processable organic liquid-crystal displays (P-OLEDs). CDT is a leading developer of technologies based on P-OLEDs for use in the latest electronic displays and lighting technologies. Holding a world class portfolio of intellectual property, it continues to see significant interest and investment.

Dr Burroughes was part of the team at Cambridge University which first observed that light could be produced from conjugated polymers. This discovery would eventually lead to the founding of CDT, for whom Dr Burroughes now serves as Chief Technology Officer. With many years of academic and industry research, Dr Burroughes has extensive knowledge of the field as well as the relationship between academia and industry.

Further lectures throughout the day will give a wide-ranging understanding of topics including complex conjugated architectures, liquid-crystalline organic semiconductors and conjugated polymers.

This event will be held on Wednesday 9 April 2014 at the highly-prestigious Burlington House, home of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and is ideally suited towards synthetic chemists and postgraduate materials chemists. Participants will gain an invaluable insight into research that is currently being undertaken, as well as future research potential and their real-world applications. Regular breaks and a wine reception will also allow attendees to meet with others in the field and provide further discussion and networking opportunities.